People in Lincolnshire should check if they can get pension credit
Benefits of claiming Pension Credit: Don't miss out on extra income. DWP has said more than a million people could be getting extra cash if they claim Pension Credit.
The government is urging around one million people in the UK, including in Lincolnshire, to claim the extra £67 a week they are entitled to.
According to the DWP, there are people living in Lincolnshire, which includes Boston, Lincoln, Grimsby and Skegness, who are entitled to Pension Credit but have not applied.
Some people could see their income increase by thousands of pounds from making a successful Pension Credit claim, with the average award being more than £3,500 a year.
To make sure people get the financial help they're entitled to, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging around one million people to claim an extra £67 a week through the credit of pensions
This additional benefit can significantly increase the income of eligible individuals, with an average award of over £3,500 per year. However, despite the availability of this support, many entitled people do not claim it.
In fact, previous estimates indicate that up to 850,000 families who were eligible for Pension Credit did not take advantage of the benefit, resulting in an unclaimed pool of up to £1.7 billion.
Pension Credit is a social benefit provided by the UK government to help pensioners maintain a minimum income level.
It is designed to boost the incomes of single pensioners and couples, ensuring they receive at least £201.05 and £306.85 a week respectively.
People with disabilities or caring responsibilities may be eligible for even higher amounts. However, the benefits of Pension Credit extend beyond the extra income it provides.
Even a small award can open the door to a number of other benefits, including help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.
Making a successful claim for Pension Credit can have a significant impact on a person's financial wellbeing. It not only guarantees a stable income, but also provides access to a number of additional benefits that can ease financial burdens.
The DWP has been actively contacting eligible people through a trial 'invitation to claim' initiative, sending letters to those thought to be eligible. It is essential not to ignore these letters and instead take the necessary steps to apply for pension credit.
How to apply for pension credit
Applying for Pension Credit is a simple process that can be completed online, over the phone or using a paper form.
To start the process, people can visit the government's official website at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. The website provides detailed instructions and guidance on how to proceed with the application.
Additional support and benefits
Once a person starts claiming Pension Credit, they have access to a range of additional support and benefits. This includes:
- Provision of housing
Pension Credit recipients may be eligible for housing benefit, which helps cover housing costs. This benefit can provide much-needed relief, especially for people who are facing financial stress due to high rent or mortgage payments.
- Support for mortgage interest
For those with a mortgage, Pension Credit can also offer support in the form of mortgage interest payment assistance. This benefit can help ease the financial burden of paying off mortgages, ensuring that people can keep their homes without undue stress.
- Council tax discount
Beneficiaries of pension credit can qualify for a council tax discount. This reduction in council tax payments can make a substantial difference to individuals' monthly expenses, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
- Free TV license for people aged 75 and over
People aged 75 and over who claim Pension Credit can get a free TV licence. This benefit ensures that seniors have access to entertainment and news without incurring additional costs.
- Help with NHS dental treatment, spectacles and transport costs
Pension Credit recipients can also get help with NHS dental treatment costs, spectacles and transport costs to hospital appointments. This support ensures that people can maintain good oral health, have access to appropriate vision correction and attend necessary medical appointments without financial strain.
- Discount program for the warm home
The Warm Homes Discount Program offers help with heating costs to eligible pensioners. This benefit can be especially valuable during the colder months, when energy bills tend to rise. It ensures that people can keep their homes warm and comfortable without compromising their financial stability.
- Discount on Royal Mail forwarding service
If a Pension Credit recipient is in the process of moving house, they may be entitled to a discount on Royal Mail's redirection service. This benefit helps reduce the costs associated with redirecting mail during a move, making the transition smoother and more affordable.
Pension Credit presents a valuable opportunity for eligible people to receive additional financial support. With an estimated one million people yet to claim this benefit, it is crucial to take action and ensure that rights do not go unclaimed.